Drug-Free Workplace Policy

It is the policy of DePauw University that all employees comply with federal, state and local laws regarding drugs and alcohol while at the workplace. The University will not tolerate the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace. The workplace includes, but is not limited to, University owned buildings, grounds, vehicles, or anywhere during the workday, including breaks and lunch, with the limited exception of the use of alcohol at University-sponsored or sanctioned special events. Any employee who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

The University expects all of its employees to adhere to this policy to promote the overall safety, health, productivity and welfare of our workforce and the University community.

The University’s Drug-Free Workplace policy includes the following provisions:

Several handouts regarding drug and alcohol abuse awareness are available to all employees from the Office of Human Resources. The handouts include information about the effects and dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and describes sources of counseling and other assistance for affected employees.

If an employee is discovered to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while on the job, he or she will be required to leave the premises, will be advised to seek help and will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination.

As a condition of employment at DePauw, employees must:

Abide by the terms of this policy and all laws regarding drugs and alcohol.

Notify the Office of Human Resources in writing of all convictions for criminal drug statute violations in the workplace no later than five days after the conviction.

Each employee is expected to cooperate in the University’s good faith effort to implement this policy and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Voluntary Treatment

Early recognition and treatment of drug and/or alcohol abuse is important for successful rehabilitation. The University encourages the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment for substance abuse. Employees are urged to seek treatment for substance abuse problems and are reminded that treatment and counseling services are available through the Employee Assistance Program and under the University’s health insurance plans. An employee needing assistance can contact the Employee Assistance Program, or the Office of Human Resources, which will make referral.

Use of Prescription Drugs

It is expected that when taking over-the-counter or prescribed medicine which may impair performance or function that employees will establish safe levels that will not alter their physical or mental ability to perform their job safely and effectively.

It is the employee’s responsibility if he/she believes that the use of a legally obtained drug may impair job performance or safety to immediately notify his/her supervisor of the concern. An employee shall report the concern prior to starting work or as soon as the condition becomes known. The employee’s supervisor will then determine whether the employee may continue to work, needs to take a leave of absence, or if some other action is appropriate.

University Responsibilities

The University, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and related legislation, is committed to informing employees of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace through an ongoing drug-free awareness program which may include new employee orientation sessions, supervisory training and the availability of an employee assistance program.

The University also understands and commits to its responsibility to notify federal contractor(s) of any conviction of an employee for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the conviction.